Doetinchem

Doetinchem grew on the Oude IJssel in the Achterhoek, where a river crossing served farm villages in a flat, wooded district. Around 1100 the settlement expanded, and local insecurity prompted residents to build a defensive wall. In 1236 Count Otto II of Gelre granted city rights in exchange for taxes and soldiers.

Walls, gates and a moat enclosed the medieval town, while its market attracted farmers and traders from surrounding estates. The Keurboek set rules for commerce and public order. A fire in 1527 destroyed much of the town and its archives, and plague killed many inhabitants in 1580.

The Oude IJssel remained the central route for timber, iron and agricultural produce. Watermills and brickworks used local water and clay. Doetinchem's early identity combined a chartered market town with the rural Achterhoek and its riverside crossing. Brickworks, metalworks and rural estates used the river, clay and surrounding woods, while barges carried their products through Gelderland. Guilds regulated bread, beer and metal crafts, while the town council maintained bridges and negotiated military contributions with Gelderland. The river crossing also connected the town to the Hanseatic trade of the IJssel towns. Local barges also carried bricks, beer and iron along the IJssel. The town also collected grain, hides and butter from nearby farms. Local rents supported the walls.